Safety steering device



May 27 19 24. 1,495,229

E. A. L|BEY SAFETY STEERING DEVI CE Filed Aug. 5, 1920 KFYZQMA. Zvbby. 1 3 wwp Patented May 27, 1924.

EMULUS A. LIBBY, OF WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS.

SAFETY STEERING DEVICE.

Application filed August 5, 1920. Serial No. 401,309.

To all whom it may concern.

Be it known that I, EMULUs A. LIBBY, a citizen of the United States, residing at \Vorcester, in the county of lVorcester and State of Massachusetts, have invented a new and useful Safety Steering Device, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to a safety steering device particularly designed for application to the steering mechanism of an automobile.

It is the object of my invention to provide a. safety device which shall be e00 nomical to manufacture, simple in construction, and reliable in operatio With this general purpose in view, my invention comprises mechanism for yieldingly returning the steering wheels to middle or neutral position, so that the car will move directly forward unless purposely 20 guided to one side or the other.

A preferred form of my invention is shown in the drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a side elevation of my improved safety device;

Fig. 2 is a bottom view thereof, looking in the direction of the arrow 2 in Fig. 1;

Fig". 8 is a detail sectional elevation along the line 3 3 in Fig. 1;

Fig. ft is an end elevation looking in the direction of the arrow 4 in Fig. 1, and

Fig. 5 is a plan view showing the device in use.

Referring to the drawings. my improved safety device comprises a stand or frame 10, adapted to be secured to the upper side of a steering rod 11. The stand is preferably provided with a grooved projection 12 fitting one side of the rod and with a. U-shaped clamp 13 encircling the rod 11 and having suitable binding nuts for securing the clamp and frame in position.

A pair of arms 14 are pivoted at points 15 to the frame 10 and extend forwardly over the front axle 16. A stop 17 extends upwardly from the forward end of the frame 10 and is preferably formed as a separate part adjustably secured thereto by a slot and bolt connection. A heavy spring 18 causes the arms 14 to firmly engage the stop on each side thereof.

At their forward ends the arms 14 extend on each side of a casting or member 20 adapted to be secured to the axle 16 by a bolt 21. A guard rod 22 is fixed in the casting 20 and is provided at its outer ends with down turned portions 23 extending into the path of movement of the arms 14.

Having described the preferred construction of my invention, the operation thereof will be easily apparent. henever the steering rod '11 is moved from its middle or neutral position, one of the arms 14 will be held from movement by engaging the member 20, and the spring 18 will be placed under increased tension, tending to yieldingly restore the parts to normal position. The tendencyof the car to make sudden turns to the right or left is thus greatly reduced and the safety of the operator is assured.

The guard 22 is provided to prevent dislocation of the arms 14 if the spring 18 should be, accidently broken.

- The stop 17 may be adjusted forward or rearward to vary the separation of the arms 14, so that they may closely engage the member 20.

I have thus provided a simple and durable mechanism for the purpose described, comprising few parts, all of which are of substantial construction.

Having thus described my invention. it will be evident that changes and modifications can be made therein by those skilled in the art. within the spirit and scope of my invention as set forth in the claim and I do not wish to be otherwise limited to the details herein disclosed, but what I claim is A safety steering device comprising a frame, means to secure said frame to a part of an automobile, a pair of arms pivoted at separated points on said frame, a member to be engaged by said arms. means to secure said member to a second and relatively movable part of an automobile. said frame having a forwardly extending portion with an upward extension-forming a stop for said arms and effective also to vertically position said arms. and a tension spring disposed between said arms and connecting said arms between their pivots and said stop and holding them in yielding engagement with said stop.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my signature.

EMULUS A. LIBBY. 

